Storm window

ABSTRACT

A storm window for single or double hung windows including flush storm sash track in window jambs, movable plunger assembly at the top of each sash and interchangeable upper and lower storm sashes. The window construction is especially adapted for an interior hung storm sash system, but may also be constructed as an exterior hung storm sash system.

[ Sept. 24, 1974 United States Patent 1 Goss, Jr. et al.

STORM WINDOW [75] Inventors: Lorane C. Goss, Jr.; James T.

49/63 X 49/61 X 49/63 X 49/63 X nu qnnm a m r n amc m Wl d e EMHP 2273 5556 9999 III] ///l 39 4 Primary Examinerl(enneth Downey [73] Assignee: Capitol Products Corporation, Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Donald L. Johnson; John F Mechamcsburg, Pa. Sieberth; Paul L. Leonard May 2, 1973 [22] Filed:

[57] ABSTRACT A storm window for single or double hung windows 21 Appl. No.: 356,465

including flush storm sash track in window jambs, movable plunger assembly at the top of each sash and interchangeable upper and lower storm sashes.

The window construction is especially adapted for an interior hung storm sash system, but may also be 52 7m 8 M74 4. 206 E 7 i 3 3 5 "6M 4 "1 W "2 4 M 1, 2 6 5 u H 9 w m nus Unn4 u 4 m h "C. r e mm .L .f C s uw UIF 1]]. 2 00 555 [[rIL [56] References Cited constructed as an exterior hung storm sash system.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,080,620 3/1963 Mendelsohn............................ 49/63 12 Clam, 4 Drawmg F'gures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is in the building construction field and particularly relates to windows, especially metal windows having removable storm sashes.

Single and double hung windows and such windows containing removable sashes and storm sashes are well known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,956 and 3,358,404 are illustrative of single and double-hung windows having sashes removable from a window casing. U.S. Pat. No. 3,587,705 is representative ofa multi-track or five-track storm window having two storm panels, two glass panels and a screen panel all removable from the window frame. Other types of storm windows or prior art window constructions are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,631,340; 2,640,535; 2,654,920; 2,7l 1,789; 2,760,607, 3,080,620; 3,080,621; 3,239,976 and 3,462,884.

The instant invention provides an interior or exterior hung storm sash system wherein the sashes are installed in a flush track in a window jamb. Such a flush track system provides an esthetically superior appearance over prior-art windows.

Customarily, upper and lower storm sashes have each been of different sizes. The invention enables the upper storm sash and the lower storm sash to be interchangeable thus facilitating manufacture thereof and improving the overall appearance of the window.

Prior art storm sash systems have employed a fixed metal tab which must be carefully fitted into offset track systems. The present invention provides a movable plunger assembly at the top of each sash which enables either the upper or lower sash to be quickly and easily removed from the window or installed therein.

The invention is also adaptable to conventional three-track storm windows. Easier removal of the storm sashes are provided and improved appearance of the window is obtained.

Most storm windows have exterior hung sashes. This requires going outside of the building in order to install or remove the storm sashes. The present invention provides an interior hung storm sash system which enables the storm sashes to be completely handled from inside the building without the necessity of going outside. The advantages of this are readily apparent.

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved interior or exterior hung storm sash system in which the storm sashes can be readily and easily installed or removed and which is attractive.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the description and drawings hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The storm window of the present invention includes an interior or exterior hung storm sash system with the storm sashes being installed in a flush track in the window jambs. A movable plunger assembly at the top of each storm sash facilitates installation and removal. The plunger assembly incorporates a spring loaded plunger controlled by a lift tab at the opposite end of the plunger shaft. The assembly is fixed into the top rail of each storm sash and at each side which meets the window jamb. The bottom of the storm sash is attached with a metal catch. Preferably the upper storm sash and the lower storm sash are of the same size. The windows are also preferably constructed of extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view partly in section of a complete window assembly or storm sash system viewed from the interior side showing the storm sashes just prior to installation therein;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of a storm sash illustrating the plunger assembly therein with the plunger in open position and a partial section of the storm track showing the position of the sash therein;

FIG. 3 is a side view ofa partial section of the window and sash illustrating the plunger assembly in an open position in the storm track; and,

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3 butillustrating the plunger assembly in closed or locked position in the storm track.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The window assembly or storm sash system of the present invention is adapted to fit in a rough opening in a house or other building. The window may be either single hung or double hung, but is conventionally a single hung three track or multiple track system. The window may be constructed so as to provide either an interior or exterior hung storm sash system.

Referring now to the drawing and more particularly to FIG. 1 an interior hung storm sash system is shown. The window or window casing or assembly is illustrated generally at 10 and incorporates sidejambs I2 and 14 (not shown) connected to a head frame 16 and a sill frame 20 to form the general rectangular casing construction. The side jambs, head and sill frames are preferably made of an extruded aluminum or aluminum al- Ioy. The parts are held together in a conventional manner using screws or other suitable fasteners. The window 10 additionally includes a fixed upper sash or glass panel 22, a movable or slidable lower sash or glass panel 24, and optionally a screen panel 26 exterior of and adjacent the lower panel 24. The glass and screen panels are mounted in a conventional manner. The upper sash 22 can be movably installed if desired. Finally, the window 10 includes an upper storm sash 28 and a lower storm sash 30 adapted to fit on the interior side of the window 10 adjacent the upper and lower sashes 22 and 24.

The head, sill and jambs or window frame members are so constructed as to provide suitable tracks for the upper fixed sash, the lower movable sash, the screen panel, the upper storm sash and the lower storm sash. These frame members are preferably of a thermal barrier or thermal break design. One type of plastic thermal barrier is seen at and 92, respectively. The side jambs l2 and 14 are also constructed of a similar thermal break or barrier (not seen). The thermal break is preferably constructed of virgin vinyl. Other suitable materials may be used. The thermal break may also be omitted from the window construction, if desired, or not required.

The upper and lower storm sashes 28 and 30 are essentially identical and are interchangeable. The upper sash 28 has side rails or stiles 29 and 31 (not shown) which are connected at their ends by the upper and lower rail members 36 and 56, respectively. The lower sash has side rails or stiles 33 and (not shown) which are connected at their ends by the upper and lower rail members 46 and 58, respectively. The storm panels 28 and 30 each include a glass panel 60 and 62, respectively.

The upper and lower storm sashes 28 and 30 are equipped with spring loaded plunger assemblies, which will be described in detail hereinafter. The upper sash 28 has plunger assemblies 32 and 34 (not shown) mounted at the top thereof. The plunger assemblies 32 and 34 are fixed into the top rail 36 and on each side thereof for meeting the side jambs l2 and 14, respectively. Each plunger assembly incorporates a spring loaded plunger, e.g. at 38 controlled by a lift tab, e.g. at 40 at the opposite end of the shaft. Plunger assemblies 42 and 44 (not shown) are similarly fixed on each side of the top rail 46 of the lower sash 30.

Standard spring loaded finger latches 48 and 50 (not shown) and S2 and 54 (not shown) are attached to the bottom rails 56 and 58, respectively of the upper and lower sashes 28 and 38, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the plunger assembly 32 is illustrated in open position. The assembly 32 includes a shaft or rod 64, the tab 40 fixed or rigidly secured on one end thereof, the plunger 38 fixed on the opposite end thereof, a spring 66 slidably thereon and a pair of mounting members 68 and 70 having openings therein for receiving the shaft 64. The pillow blocks or members 68 and 70 are fixedly mounted in the rail 36 by welding or other suitable means. The spring 66 is placed on the shaft 64 between the tab 40 and the mounting member 70. The tension of the spring is sufficient to push the tab 40 away from the member 70 when the tab 40 is in a vertical position or the position seen in FlGS. 2 and 3. The plunger 38 extends outwardly away from the member 68 and is of a diameter larger than the opening in the mounting member 68, so that travel of the shaft inwardly is stopped thereby.

The top rail 36 has an opening or slot 72 therein for receiving the tab 40 when the tab 40 is in a horizontal position as ,seen in FIG. 4. The slot is so located in the rail 36 that when the plunger 38 is in an open position as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tab 40 cannot be moved from a vertical to a horizontal position, and when the plunger 38 is in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the tab 40 can be moved from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The opposite end of the rail 36 has a similar slot for receiving the tab of a similar plunger assembly therein. The plunger 38 stops against the jamb l2 and serves as a guide in the plane parallel to the glass.

It is readily seen that each storm sash, either upper or lower one .is substantially identical and each sash has a plunger assembly on each end of its top rail.

As best seen in FIG. 2, a metal fin 80 (preferably aluminum) is constructed in or fixed to the jamb l2 and serves as a side guide on plunger 38 at top of the sash in the plane perpendicular to the glass. This prevents the metal bearing between the jamb 12 and the rail 36. The fin 80 also holds the sash pile 82 tightly against the leg l2 as on the jamb 12 thereby sealing jamb side against air leakage. Each end of each storm sash and each side jamb is similarly constructed.

To install a storm sash in'a window frame, the tabs on the plunger are placed in a vertical position as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. Each plunger assembly spring acts against a tab to move the plungers and the tabs inwardly. The sash is placed in the frame by side loading stile of storm sash completely in one jamb full depth against stop 80. The other stile of the storm sash is then pivoted into position in line with the other jamb recess and the storm sash is moved in a direction away from stop of the opposite jamb. This positions the storm sash. When in position therein, the tabs are moved outwardly, thus compressing the springs and forcing the plungers outwardly away from the sash and into each frame. The tabs are then turned downwardly and inwardly to a horizontal position and in the slots in the top rail of the sash as shown in FIG. 4. The upper part of the sash is then locked into position in the window frame. The spring-loaded thumb latches on the bottom rail of the sash are depressed inwardly and the sash fitted into the frame. Release of the thumb latches locks the lower position of the storm sash into the window frame.

To remove a storm sash, the procedure is reversed. The tabs on the top rail are moved to a vertical position and released. The spring then moves the shaft and plunger of each plunger assembly inwardly thereby releasing the sash from the window frame. The thumb latches on the bottom rail are depressed and the storm sash is pushed sideways until the sash stile 29 contacts stop 80 in jamb. This allows the opposite stile to clear the jamb. The sash is then pivoted out and removed.

Upper and lower sashes are similarly installed and removed.

The present invention provides an'aluminum singlehung window that not only is attractive but can easily be installed. In the most preferred form of the invention, a virgin vinyl thermal break frame keeps the cold on the outside and the warmth inside. An outside box frame affords easy, labor saving installation and pro vides its own attractive trim. The trim may be colored or plain as desired. Aluminum, self-locking latches are conveniently located in the removable bottom panel. Hidden, direct, block and pulley type sash balances recessed in both jamb sections provide smooth, effortless panel operation. A sloped frame sill with weep holes flows moisture to the outside of the windows. Interior, operable storm sash panels offer variable vent positioning. An outside half-screen that installs from inside a room may also be added. Glazing may be of single or double strength glass, as preferred. Vinyl bead glazing and full woven file weather stripping assure maximum weather resistance.

Although the window of the present invention can be constructed of any suitable metal, aluminum and aluminum alloys are preferred. Aluminum alloy 6063*T5 is particularly preferred. The frame and sash are preferably made of extruded aluminum alloy with standard commercial tolerances. Weather stripping is preferably extruded vinyl in the sash bottom rail and polypile on stiles and meeting rail. Rigid type vinyl is normally used in the glazing area of the fixed lite and moving sash.

The inside storm sashes have extruded full aluminum frames with center rail overlap in two tracks. Glazing is with channel type soft vinyl suitable for reglazing. Corners of sashes are secured with spring steel corner clips or die cast corner keys. Glide tracks are extruded in jambs and head of inner window section to seal and guide for sliding of storm sash. Stiles and top rail of sash frame are weather stripped with polypile. The sashes are readily slidable and removable without the use of any tools. The top and bottom sash are identical and interchangeable and have spring retractable steel and nylon top guide pins and spring loaded die cast bottom latches. Three position ramps are located in jamb for lower sash.

Although the present invention is illustrated and described primarily with regard to an interior hung storm sash system, it is readily adaptable to an exterior hung storm sash system. It is only necessary that the window frame be so constructed that the sashes fit in appropriate tracks so as to be on the exterior side of the window. The construction of the storm sashes is substantially identical for either interior or exterior hanging.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A storm window or window assembly comprising a frame adapted to be installed in an opening in a building or wall; said frame being of a generally rectangular construction including a head frame, a sill frame and side jambs connected thereto, an upper sash and a lower sash mounted in said frame; an upper storm sash and a lower storm sash mounted in said frame; said head frame, sill frame and side jambs having tracks therein for receiving said upper and lower sashes and said upper and lower storm sashes; each of said storm sashes including a top rail, a bottom rail and stiles connected thereto, a plunger assembly on each end of said top rails for releaseably connecting said storm sashes to said side jambs of said frame, said plunger assembly comprising a rod means, a plunger means on one end of said rod means, a tab means on the other end of said rod means, a spring means slidably mounted on said rod means, a receiving means mounted on said top rail for receiving said rod means and retaining said plunger assembly in said storm sash, said spring means being located on said rod means between said receiving means and said tab means, and said plunger means extending on said rod means to said receiving means, and slot means on said top rail for receiving said tab means, whereby when said tab means is moved in a direction toward said rod receiving and retaining means, said spring means is compressed and said plunger is moved outwardly to a position away from said top rail and said tab means may be rotated downwardly into said slot means on said top rail, thereby locking said plunger in said outward position.

2. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper sash and said lower sash are interchangeable.

3. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper sash and said lower sash are positioned in the same tracks of said frame thereby providing a substantially flush mounting of said storm sashes in said frame.

4. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper and lower sashes are installed in said frame so as to be on the interior side of the window when the window is mounted in a wall or the like.

5. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein tracks are provided for screen means and screen means are installed in said tracks.

6. A storm window as defined in claim I including'fin means in a track of each side jamb of said frame for guiding a plunger on said plunger assembly means in said side jamb.

7. A storm window as defined in claim I wherein said upper and lower storm sashes have a latch means on each end of the bottom rails thereof for engagement in the tracks of said side jambs of said frame.

8. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper sash is fixed in said frame and said lower sash is slidable in said frame.

9. In a storm sash having a top rail, a bottom rail and stiles joined thereto for forming a rectangular frame with a panel mounted therein, a plunger assembly means mounted on each end of the top rail for releaseably connecting the storm sash in each side jamb of a window frame, said plunger assembly means comprising rod means, rod receiving and retaining means mounted on the top rail, plunger means on one end of said rod means and positioned thereon on the exterior side of said rod receiving and retaining means, tab means on the other end of said rod means, spring means slidably mounted on said rod means and positioned thereon between said tab means and said rod receiving and retaining means, and slot means on the top rail for receiving said tab means, whereby when said tab means is in a vertical position or a plane parallel to said sash, said spring means acts against said tab means to move said plunger means inwardly against said receiving and retaining means, and when said tab means is moved in a direction toward said rod receiving and retaining means, said spring means is compressed and said plunger is moved outwardly away from the top rail and said tab means may be rotated downwardly into said slot means on the top rail, thereby locking said plunger in a predetermined position.

10. The storm sash of claim 9 wherein said rod receiving and retaining means is a pair of pillow blocks fixed in a groove or track in the top rail having openings therein for receiving said rod means therethrough.

11. The storm sash of claim 9 wherein said plunger assembly means is located in a groove or track in the top rail of the sash.

12. The storm sash of claim 9 wherein said bottom rail has a latch means on each end thereof for releaseably connecting said storm sash in a side jamb of a window frame.

276%? T T T wmm CERTIFICATE-OF CORRECTION Patent No. 5, 57, Daeed September" 2 1 4 Lorane G. Goss, Jr.', James 'I'. Crib den,- Joseph J. Miller It is Certified that error appears in gha.jboveidentified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as how be'lovz' 4 Item 56, Attorney's name r eads."'-Paul-. L; Leonard" and should read ---Paul H. Leonard Column}, line 22 reads "28. and 58" and should read 28 and 30 Sigried and seale d this 24th .dey of -De ciember 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR. c. MARSHALL DANN,

Commissionerof Patents Attesting .Officer 

1. A storm window or window assembly comprising a frame adapted to be installed in an opening in a building or wall; said frame being of a generally rectangular construction including a head frame, a sill frame and side jambs connected thereto, an upper sash and a lower sash mounted in said frame; an upper storm sash and a lower storm sash mounted in said frame; said heaD frame, sill frame and side jambs having tracks therein for receiving said upper and lower sashes and said upper and lower storm sashes; each of said storm sashes including a top rail, a bottom rail and stiles connected thereto, a plunger assembly on each end of said top rails for releaseably connecting said storm sashes to said side jambs of said frame, said plunger assembly comprising a rod means, a plunger means on one end of said rod means, a tab means on the other end of said rod means, a spring means slidably mounted on said rod means, a receiving means mounted on said top rail for receiving said rod means and retaining said plunger assembly in said storm sash, said spring means being located on said rod means between said receiving means and said tab means, and said plunger means extending on said rod means to said receiving means, and slot means on said top rail for receiving said tab means, whereby when said tab means is moved in a direction toward said rod receiving and retaining means, said spring means is compressed and said plunger is moved outwardly to a position away from said top rail and said tab means may be rotated downwardly into said slot means on said top rail, thereby locking said plunger in said outward position.
 2. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper sash and said lower sash are interchangeable.
 3. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper sash and said lower sash are positioned in the same tracks of said frame thereby providing a substantially flush mounting of said storm sashes in said frame.
 4. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper and lower sashes are installed in said frame so as to be on the interior side of the window when the window is mounted in a wall or the like.
 5. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein tracks are provided for screen means and screen means are installed in said tracks.
 6. A storm window as defined in claim 1 including fin means in a track of each side jamb of said frame for guiding a plunger on said plunger assembly means in said side jamb.
 7. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper and lower storm sashes have a latch means on each end of the bottom rails thereof for engagement in the tracks of said side jambs of said frame.
 8. A storm window as defined in claim 1 wherein said upper sash is fixed in said frame and said lower sash is slidable in said frame.
 9. In a storm sash having a top rail, a bottom rail and stiles joined thereto for forming a rectangular frame with a panel mounted therein, a plunger assembly means mounted on each end of the top rail for releaseably connecting the storm sash in each side jamb of a window frame, said plunger assembly means comprising rod means, rod receiving and retaining means mounted on the top rail, plunger means on one end of said rod means and positioned thereon on the exterior side of said rod receiving and retaining means, tab means on the other end of said rod means, spring means slidably mounted on said rod means and positioned thereon between said tab means and said rod receiving and retaining means, and slot means on the top rail for receiving said tab means, whereby when said tab means is in a vertical position or a plane parallel to said sash, said spring means acts against said tab means to move said plunger means inwardly against said receiving and retaining means, and when said tab means is moved in a direction toward said rod receiving and retaining means, said spring means is compressed and said plunger is moved outwardly away from the top rail and said tab means may be rotated downwardly into said slot means on the top rail, thereby locking said plunger in a predetermined position.
 10. The storm sash of claim 9 wherein said rod receiving and retaining means is a pair of pillow blocks fixed in a groove or track in the top rail having openings therein for receiving said rod means therethrough.
 11. The storm sash of claim 9 wherein said plunger assembly means is located in a groove or track in the top rail of the sash.
 12. The storm sash of claim 9 wherein said bottom rail has a latch means on each end thereof for releaseably connecting said storm sash in a side jamb of a window frame. 